Burans (Rhododendron)

In spring, the forests of Uttarakhand turn a fiery red with the blooming of Burans (Rhododendron arboreum), the state tree. These bright red flowers are not just beautiful; they are edible. For generations, locals have harvested the fresh flowers to make juice (sherbet) and chutneys. The petals have a sweet-sour taste. Burans is strictly seasonal, and preserving the dried petals allows people to enjoy its cooling properties year-round. Villagers believe that drinking Burans juice protects the heart and cools the liver during the hot summer months.